Following an article recently published in The duty concerning the fears raised by the Commissioner of Sustainable Development regarding the sustainability of the agricultural territory, and faced with the challenges that we, farmers of Quebec, encounter, it is imperative to take decisive measures now to ensure the sustainability of our activities . We are convinced that rapid and sustainable action is possible, and that this is an opportunity that we must seize as a society to ensure the viability of ecological, equitable and needs-based agriculture Population.
Although we are ambitious, passionate and proud of our profession, we cannot act alone. We need allies, including the population and government authorities, to grow a plural, sustainable and nourishing agriculture. The entire agri-food system, including everyday actions and civic habits, must change.
This is why we invite Quebecers to get involved today with farmers in their region by purchasing directly from them through various options, such as organic vegetable baskets, public markets, food kiosks. farm, regional virtual markets and online farm shops.
Many preconceived ideas about organic vegetable baskets persist even though they offer a multitude of benefits. They enable the reduction of food losses and waste thanks to the prior subscription model and they ensure financial stability for producers, in particular. The benefits to individuals, in addition to the benefits to the community, are enormous. This is an essential equation for the future, which we do not have the luxury of doing without.
Although these initiatives have been supported since their beginnings by the most convinced, they have the potential to benefit a much larger proportion of the population.
While recognizing that large food chains often remain the most accessible source of food, it is essential to understand that their profit-driven policies promote neither the sustainability of Quebec farms nor the health of communities. To shape the society of tomorrow, we must favor more responsible and local food practices, and together bring about a change in consumption habits.
If citizen actions are crucial and necessary, we especially want to address government authorities, particularly Minister Lamontagne, whose role and actions in favor of the agricultural world in the context of crisis are essential. We expect significant measures to match our commitment and dedication to contributing to positive and lasting change for society. The current crisis is fundamentally structural and cannot be resolved by isolated emergency measures alone.
To do this, it is necessary to deploy joint efforts to support concrete solutions: we want a massive investment from the government in visibility and development of short circuits so that local agriculture is part of the grocery list of all Quebecers. We would like to see the establishment of systems to facilitate the supply of our public institutions with organic products coming directly from Quebec farms.
Finally, we want significant government reinvestment in support programs and advice for farms, to ensure that the know-how of farmers is maintained. These are just a few solutions among many that can really improve things.
So, as a society, let’s take this path together towards viable and sustainable agriculture. Let us seize this opportunity for today and tomorrow.